Senate Impeachment Trial of Sara Duterte Is Mandatory
A member of the House prosecution team emphasized that the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is “not optional.” This clear stance highlights the Senate’s duty to proceed with the case once it has been filed.
Senate President Francis Escudero recently stated that the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, may dismiss the impeachment complaint if a motion is passed by a simple majority of at least 13 senators. However, lawmakers from the House prosecution team insist that holding the trial is a constitutional obligation.
In an interview on DZMM, Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith Flores said in Filipino, “It [trial] is not optional. As soon as it is filed, as I understand it, it is the Senate’s obligation to hear and decide the case.” Flores, a member of the House prosecution panel, reiterated the necessity of the trial amid ongoing discussions.
Procedural Steps and Constitutional Requirements
The Senate started sitting as an impeachment court on June 10 and referred the articles of impeachment back to the House to verify compliance with the “one-year bar rule” and confirm that the 20th Congress intends to proceed with the case.
On June 11, the House adopted a resolution certifying the impeachment complaint against Duterte met the first constitutional requirement under Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the 1987 Constitution, which states, “No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.”
Flores explained that the second requirement, confirming the 20th Congress’s intent to pursue the case, cannot be fulfilled until the new Congress convenes and organizes itself. The 20th Congress is scheduled to open its session on July 28, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.
House Prosecution’s Response if Trial Is Dismissed Early
Antonio Bucoy, spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, warned that if the Senate dismisses the impeachment complaint without conducting a trial, the team may file a petition for certiorari with mandamus before the Supreme Court. This move underscores the prosecution’s determination to ensure the case is thoroughly heard.
Charges Against Vice President Sara Duterte
Vice President Duterte faces serious allegations, including culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. Central to the complaint is her alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.
As the political and legal processes unfold, the Senate impeachment trial of Sara Duterte remains a critical issue in Philippine governance and accountability.
For more news and updates on Senate impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.